VANCOUVER — Hunting grizzly bears has been banned in British Columbia.

The B.C. government says public consultations have made it clear that killing grizzlies is no longer socially acceptable.

An estimated 15,000 grizzly bears will now be protected province-wide from both trophy and regular hunting, with the exception of hunting done by First Nations communities. #bcpolipic.twitter.com/QvOLeGCvnm